What does a just transition mean for UK oil and gas workers? Insights from a qualitative study

The UK's offshore oil and gas industry is in long-term decline, placing workers at risk of job loss and career disruption. While policymakers have committed to ensuring a ‘Just Transition’ for fossil fuel workers, there is limited understanding of what this should look like in practice. This study presents qualitative findings from 37 semi-structured interviews with UK offshore oil and gas workers and industry stakeholders. It explores employment conditions in the sector and identifies barriers to obtaining quality work in renewable energy and beyond. Participants reported chronic job insecurity, mental health impacts, and obstacles such as skill mismatches, certification barriers, and perceived stigma when seeking alternative work. Drawing on the concepts of justice and decent work, the study proposes a UK-specific definition of a Just Transition for oil and gas workers. This is characterised by access to secure and fulfilling work that aligns with workers' skillsets and pay levels, enables control over work and career decisions, and retains the challenge and enjoyment of previous roles. The findings highlight an urgent need for targeted policy to address stigma, streamline reskilling pathways, and reduce bureaucratic barriers. Clearer definitions and tangible support are essential to deliver a meaningful Just Transition for this workforce. • UK oil and gas workers face challenging work conditions. • Cyclical and declining industry activity creates low job security. • This creates financial challenges and a risk to workers' mental health. • Workers face various barriers to accessing alternative employment. • A definition of Just Transition for UK oil and gas workers is proposed.